Frequently Asked Questions
We have listed some FAQs below. If you’re not able to find an answer to your question then just ask us. We’ll be glad to answer!
What is Kumbhak?
Kumbhak literally means hold.
Kumbhak is the effort-creating mechanism of the human body.
Here we are talking about the Kumbhak which is breath hold.
Through specialized breath-hold Kumbhak can create an internal trigger for the body and the mind.
How does Kumbhak work?
The human body responds to the triggers it gets. These triggers can be natural like the natural food, sunlight, air, environment etc. The unnatural triggers include man made conveniences like air-conditioning, processed food, education, medicine, quality of fabrics for clothes, etc.
Kumbhak is the most natural and powerful trigger that the body or the human system uses to create physical and mental strength.
When you lift a heavy weight, push or pull someone, get up from a chair, jump up or down or if you focus on something, the breath gets held. Without the breath-hold, the required strength for doing the same is not possible.
In Kumbhak, we use the breath-hold (in a certain way, over certain time) to give a natural trigger to the body or the human system. The purpose of this trigger is to build the strength on any weakened aspect of the human system.
Is Kumbhak like breathing practices? Is it the same as Paranayam and Anulom Vilom?
Kumbhak is not breathing practices. It is breath-hold methods.
Pranayam involves various ways of controlling the breathing, with the goal being to withdraw one’s senses from the outside world. Anulom Vilom is alternate breathing technique, which aims to bring balance within a system.
Kumbhak works on the holding of breath in emptiness or fullness of breath. The goal here is to build the capacity of a person towards a specific purpose, be it a disease, efficiency, action etc.
I do Yoga or yogic practices? Why should I use Kumbhak to treat my neuro musculoskeletal ailments?
You need to look at few things:
a. Is the practice you are doing specially designed for you or is it general?
b. Are the practices geared towards generating a specific empowerment which can have a reversal effect on the specific disease you are struggling with?
If not, you can do a little exploration with Kumbhak. If while doing Kumbhak practices, you want to continue with yogic practices, then let us know the practice, so that we can advise accordingly.
I have never done Yoga or any other physical treatment? Will I be able to do Kumbhak Practices?
Kumbhak or breath-hold methods involve minimum use of the body. The practices can be learnt and done by anyone of any age (16 years and above). If you have a certain challenging condition like recent/earlier surgery, or any physical problem, the same can be shared at the start of a program and it’s taken care of.
Kumbhak practices can be done sitting on a floor or chair. In fact, they need to be done in a state of ease. In our current programs, we have people who are 60 plus. They are able to do the practices and are benefitting from the same.
Can a person with conditions like Pacemaker do Kumbhak?
Yes. Also, the customisation helps in strengthening their heart functioning.
Once I come out of a condition like Cervical or Spondylitis, do I have to continue to the Kumbhak practices?
The human body builds its strength based on the triggers one gives it. With a natural trigger like Kumbhak, you strengthen the weak functional aspects.
Once the strength is gained, you may want to discontinue the practice. However, you will have the choice of continuing to build your functional strength so that as you grow older, your system will have the capability of handling the process of ageing and its related problems.
What is Kumbhak Therapy?
These are specialized breath therapies used to build the capacity of a person towards a specific purpose.
Kumbhak Therapy is based on the principle that an epigenetic trigger can strengthen a particular function and/or organ.
This trigger can be created through breath-hold, which is Kumbhak Therapy.
Kumbhak Therapy is used to address chronic ailments which are caused by weakening of various functions or/and organs in the body.
With Kumbhak the weakened functions or organs can be rejuvenated or strengthened again.
For example, if your liver becomes weak, the only solution is to rebuild its strength. No medicine or food can do this. They only create a little support. There is a mechanism of our own body which rebuilds the strength. The rebuilding factor can also become weak and then nothing will work. Through Kumbhak Therapy, we trigger the rebuilding of the liver (for example). This in turn rejuvenates the liver.
Similarly, every organ has stem cells that can revive it. With Kumbhak, a natural trigger can be given to the stem cells which can revive the organ.
Is Kumbhak the same as Yoga? Is it similar to Pranayama or other kriyas taught by spiritual organisations?
The purpose of Yoga is Mukti/Freedom. Yoga is a quality or a state of being one with everything in creation. In yoga, health is a fringe benefit.
With yogic practices, the system is directed towards a certain rhythm, which brings a sense of stability and balance to the system. This helps in providing great relief in many chronic conditions. Essentially, the purpose of Yoga is not for therapy but dissolution of one’s being. Many spiritual organisations teach various Kriyas and process aimed at taking one towards the state of Yoga.
We do no use the same Kriyas/methods. If we did, we would be very happy to acknowledge the source of the same and give the due credit to the individual or organisation.
Kumbhak (breath-hold methods) are taught as therapy for chronic ailments. They are designed to strengthen the weak functional or organ function in an individual based on Prana Shakti Diagnosis.
In Yoga, Kumbhak is discouraged? Is it because Kumbhak is harmful?
Yoga is aimed towards Mukti/Freedom. So, breath-holds are not commonly practiced. Kumbhak is a powerful natural trigger for the body. Anything powerful should be done with proper guidance and instructions. Even Yogic practices like asanas if need to be taught and done properly so that they work they are meant to.
Kumbhak is not harmful. It involves breath hold methods. These are to be done as per one’s comfort and capacity. Plus no one has ever been able to kill themselves by holding their breath. The body doesn’t allow it.
What all can be Kumbhak used for?
Kumbhak or breath-hold methods can be used for:
a. Therapy of chronic disease.
b. Building capacity in professional spheres, including sports, academics etc.
c. For Yoga or spiritual growth.
Can a person with Asthma condition do Kumbhak?
Yes. In fact, people with asthmatic conditions usually start benefiting rather quickly.
How much time is needed to do Kumbhak practices for therapy? How long do I have to continue doing the practices?
Typically, a person needs to do Kumbhak practices for 20 minutes in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening. This time can vary for individuals.
For therapy, Kumbhak should be done for at least 6 months to 1.5 years. Since every system is unique, so the time to come out of a chronic ailment can vary for individuals.
Ask A Question
If you didn’t find an answer to your question in the FAQs above, you can send us your query through the below form. We’ll respond within 24-48 hours.